I bought my car with 81k on it in '98 and it now has nearly 142k. It has yet to leave me stranded. Sure, it needs maintenance and you will have occasional problems but most of it can be fixed at regular service intervals. The closest I got to getting stranded was a radiator hose sprung a leak. I put some duct tape on and got the car home. I had my share of oil leaks etc. but nothing that left me stranded.

I had to do the AC at 100k and have replaced the suspension arms, bushings etc. because I track the car. My steering box isn't perfect but I don't "need" to replace it.

Overall, the car has been a very reliable daily driver. It is still strong and pulls like crazy for a big, heavy family car. If you are concerned about it stay away from the 3.8 which is a little more high strung than the 3.6.

KJK 91 M5'00 323iT

That's pretty much what I was thinking. Do all the preventive maintenance nevermind the cost, and in return I get a 4 door luxury sedan with as much power as my Camaro. And one that looks worlds better than an E39. Not to mention what Car and Driver called "the perfect car" when they tested it back in 91.